It's not always the brain's fault - recognising and managing metabolic encephalopathies (LVS25)

Disruptions in metabolism, including energy deprivation, accumulation of endogenous toxins and/or electrolyte derangements, can compromise normal brain function, resulting in potentially severe neurological deficits. Successful management of these conditions requires prompt identification of the underlying cause, effective correction of the metabolic derangements and continued monitoring to ensure a sustained and appropriate treatment response. Despite the potential severity of clinical signs at presentation, these can be very satisfying cases to manage! In this presentation we will review some of the more commonly encountered metabolic encephalopathies, including hepatic encephalopathy and thiamine deficiency, and will discuss the main causes, the typical clinical presentation, means of diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis.

• Gain confidence in recognising systemic causes of brain dysfunction
• Develop knowledge and understanding of the major types of metabolic encephalopathies encountered in clinical practice
• Formulate appropriate management strategies for dogs and cats presenting with metabolic encephalopathies